There is a saying in Tibetan that “at the door of the miserable rich man sleeps the contented beggar.” The point of this saying is not that poverty is a virtue, but that happiness does not come from wealth, but from setting limits to one’s desires, and living within those limits with satisfaction. – His Holiness The Dalai Lama
I like the wisdom of this message as it can apply to varied desires, including how much we take from the Earth. Early this week I watched “I AM” by Tom Shydyac, the millionaire producer who lives in mobile home in Oprah’s cable channel, OWN. It was discussed how nature takes only what it needs to sustain itself so nature stays balanced; it’s mankind that has learned to take more than it needs and therefore creates an imbalance that affects the collective.
When my significant other and I feed the squirrels at the park, we notice how they take the peanuts we give them, enjoy them, and when full, bury the remaining peanuts for the winter. Humans generally would eat/take more than their share because we have been conditioned to think that more is better.
Everyday, I am reminded that a simple life can be fulfilling and the richer we seem to be. And this is the way my mate and I live our lives, without too many needs and the stress of paying and maintaining possesions. We thrive with the beauty of nature, enjoy the simple pleasures of life and experience many moments of happiness.
We don’t push prosperity away as we own a business, but we don’t feel conflicted about a lack of anything – that is unless we suddenly desire a mansion with a landing strip on the roof for our small plane. 🙂
I also watched, “I Am,” Marie. Isn’t it great? It is absolutely profound! There seems to be a bit of an arc in our lives that while we are young we equate acquisition with growth and expansion. But as we age, if we do it well, we seem better prepared to let go and we aren’t as fascinated with constantly consuming! Tom Shadyac certainly realized that having “more” wasn’t making him happy. Simplicity is within our grasp, but we do have to really want it! Lovely post, Marie! Debra
Debra, Thank you! It was definitely a profound movie! I think the way to truly want simplicity is if we stop equating self-worth with possessions and instead shift to what truly matters which is love, friendship, the core values that are with us no matter what happens in life. Tom Shadyac is a fantastic teacher, I am sure he is getting through to the younger generation.
The movie sounds fantastic Marie. We are conditioned from a young age that the best way to live life is to acquire as much as we can. Never getting satisfied with anything…the more we have the more we want. I have never seen a stressed bird hording worms Lol. There are so many lessons we can learn from Mother Nature. I am happy we are now shifting to thinking of what really matters to us…I get the best feeling when I declutter my closet…
Just seen this post touching on the same topic…learning to be happy while not yet
having what you want is the secret http://patcegan.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/desire/
Veeh, If you get Oprah’s cable channel in your region, try to see it, as they repeat the shows. It was amazing, they even talked about the heart how it projects an electro- magnetic field that reaches others. I think Mother Nature is God’s expression in it’s purest form and we can learn so much by paying attention. Will check the link!
An inspiring post Marie. Most of my life I’ve had to live with less. I’ve gotten used to the difficulties. As I get older I hold on to the beauty of life that I can make for myself…
Walter, That’s a wonderful focus. Your being an artist puts you in a place where everyday can be a source of inspiration for the beauty of your art. A blessing.
Thank you for this one. 🙂
You are welcome! And thanks for reading. 🙂
Wonderful thoughts and images, Marie.
Happiness is NOT having MORE . . . it’s being content with LESS and knowing when Enough is Enough. 😀
Nancy, Exactly! Being content with LESS is freeing. 🙂
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Very well-written post with a soulful message, Marie! I like what you said, and what the Dalai Lama said. Food for thought to live on.
Janet, Thanks! The Dalai Lama always inspires me, have his books and DVD’s. 🙂
Profound and filled with wisdom and insights. Thank you for this post Marie. It made me smile that we both found ourselves writing on the same topic. hahahhaha connected!
Love and light always.
Michelle, I too was smiling when reading your article on money in Hubpages. We are indeed connected! 🙂
Love the Dalai Lama- wonderful post, thank yoU!
anne
Thank you, Anne. He is truly an inspiration! 🙂
Look forward to reading more.
Thank you for reading and your comments. 🙂
Great message. My mind is filled with peace after reading this post.
More money never made me happy. In spite of the opportunities to get better-paid jobs I never tried them as I was sure they would not offer the happiness and satisfaction my humble little school offers me.
Bindu, Your comments about your school pulled at my heart strings as it is beautiful to do what one loves as we are richer in spirit and more fulfilled. Good for you! 🙂
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